Prince Philip’s retirement has sparked a bitter battle behind the scenes, with Charles and second wife Camilla fearing they will be sidelined as William, Kate and Harry take on more royal duties.

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The ‘war of the Windsors’ broke out almost immediately after the shock announcement that the Queen’s loyal husband of nearly 70 years will be standing down from public life.

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As if to send out a message that the young royals are the future, Her Majesty chose Prince William, 34, to be by her side as she met with Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi at the palace.

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While Charles, 68, was nowhere to be seen, he did meet the freedom fighter later at his London home, Clarence House.

Although Wills looked very nervous and out of his element, he knows that his destiny is to be the monarch – and for much longer than his ageing father.

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‘The simple fact is that the Queen will never abdicate, and if she lives to 100, Charles will be in his mid-70s when he becomes king,’ says royal author Andrew Morton.

He won’t reign for long, so the Queen knows William and Kate are the future.

‘She wants to bring them on so that they are King and Queen in all but name.

‘The Queen’s first priority is the future security of the monarchy, which she has spent all her life protecting, and she will do what is best for the institution to survive.’

The UK Daily Mail has reported that ‘a backlash against Camilla taking the Queen’s place alongside Charles is a real fear’ and that ‘Project Queen Camilla’ is in danger.

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Now, New Idea can reveal the Prince of Wales is planning a glittering party at his Highgrove home in Gloucestershire for Camilla on July 15 to celebrate her 70th birthday – but no royals will be invited.

‘It’s just for friends,’ said one insider. ‘Charles and Camilla are feeling pretty depressed at the moment. They feel like they have been slapped in the face.

‘Charles has spent decades doing good work with his Prince’s Trust and other organisations, but no-one seems to notice and everyone is focusing on the younger generation. This should be a great time for them, but they are being squeezed out at every twist and turn.

‘Camilla is having to keep a low profile because of the events to mark the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death. And now with Philip’s retirement, they’re going to be overshadowed by the much younger royals.

They have even been banned from sitting on the thrones for the state opening of Parliament, which they have done for the past couple of years.

‘Because of the UK general election, the Queen is going to turn up just before Royal Ascot and open Parliament, but not in full regalia.

‘Charles and Camilla have been told they are surplus to requirements, which has not gone down well.

‘If Harry marries Meghan Markle, they will be massive news, and Charles and Camilla will be ignored even more.’

Meanwhile, Wills and Kate, 35, are taking their new roles so seriously, they have shelved plans to have a third baby.

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‘Kate always wanted another child because she comes from a family of three, but she’s changed her mind,’ says a source.

‘She and William are moving back to London later in the year when he gives up his job as an ambulance pilot in Norfolk, and they realise that now is the time to step up their royal duties and support the Queen.

‘They have enough on their plate and I would be very surprised if they have a third child now.

‘They have a boy and girl… and they are moving on the next chapter in their lives.’